Odd Lots What Bitcoin Has To Do With The Dream Of Cryonics
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Jul 8, 2019 
Finn Brunton, an NYU professor and author of "Digital Cash," dives into the intriguing history of cryptocurrency and its unexpected links to cryonics. He discusses how early digital currency creators shared a vision of anonymity and futurism, similar to cryonics enthusiasts. The conversation highlights challenges of valuing currency and preserving wealth over time, along with ethical debates about the focus on immortality amid global issues. Brunton also touches on the paradoxes within these movements and the role of technologists in shaping the future.
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Money's Social Nature
- Money is inherently social and political, representing relationships and allegiances.
- Its acceptance depends on trust and the belief in its future acceptance by others.
Crypto and Extropians
- Surprisingly, there's a historical link between cryptocurrency and extropians.
- Extropians, advocates of cryonics and life extension, saw digital currency as key to their goals.
Extropian Vision
- Extropians aimed to use technology for radical abundance and overcoming human limitations.
- Digital cash was seen as a way to accelerate technological progress and achieve immortality.
